CNA

Nurses General Nursing

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So, I've been considering becoming a nursing assistant.

And I was wondering if anyone could give me any info about the job's pros and cons, and any other info about it.

I think I have the basic idea of the job but I can't be sure so I decided to ask a nursing forum.

Specializes in LTC.

yeah and even if they paid the same I would still rather do CNA than retail or fast food.

Thanks again for the input, everyone. :)

I've been thinking about it a lot and the only problem I'm having with considering this job is the messier work I'd be doing.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to help take care of people, even if it means doing the 'dirty work'.

But I don't know if my stomach can handle it. I've never worked with things like that before so I really don't know.

Do you think I should go for it anyway and hope I won't have too much of a problem with it?

I have been a CNA for about two years. I work in a hospital ICU as a Patient Care Tech and I LOVE IT! I work nights and we are a team beyond measure. The nurses regard me properly as an ASSISTANT to their workload and we work fluidly together to take care of OUR patients. I know my job parameters but as a student they are always happy to show me how they do their job so I am constantly learning. I am paid well enough - but the OT is where the money comes in. I am not afraid of OT and there is plenty there. Sitters galore at our hospital. Always other floors with techs calling in sick.

It can be back-breaking work and it is not as easy as grilling a hamburger at McDonalds (which I did in HS) but it is incredibly rewarding to see an ARDS patient who has been there for 2+ months walk out under his own steam - and know that your care contributed to his recovery. I highly recommend the job if you want a further career in nursing - it is invaluable.

Specializes in Med-Surg/Pediatrics, Maternity.

You won't know if you can do it unless you try. Since you would love to help care for others that might be the motivation you need to do some of the "messier" jobs. Helping somebody that can't help themselves brings great satisfaction. I worked as a CNA during college breaks and that experience was helpful to me in nursing school. It's a hard job but at least you would be making a difference. Good luck.

You won't know if you can do it unless you try. Since you would love to help care for others that might be the motivation you need to do some of the "messier" jobs. Helping somebody that can't help themselves brings great satisfaction. I worked as a CNA during college breaks and that experience was helpful to me in nursing school. It's a hard job but at least you would be making a difference. Good luck.

Yes, I suppose you're right.

I need to talk about it with my significant other but I'm fairly certain I'm going to give it a try, at the very least.

I really want to, after all. Having to deal with things I don't like to do something I want to do should be a lot better for me than doing something I just don't care for.

Specializes in OR, Informatics.

RNnamaste - I'm not sure where you're looking to teach, but the director of the CNA program at Blackhawk Technical College in Wisconisn is among the finest people I've ever had the privilege to meet. The staff is passionate, and they consistently turn out quality NA's.

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